A photograph of the region through Carolina’s eyes
Italy’s DMCs share with DUCO tips on gastronomy, landscapes, and secret treasures
Luxury DMC Arno Travel takes us off-the-beaten-path into Basilicata’s Lucanian Dolomite Mountains, offering thrills and beauty for every nature lover.
Tell us about the Lucanian Dolomite Mountains.
The name of these mountains is an homage to the Dolomites in the north of Italy because of their unmistakable similarities to their alpine cousins. Even if the Lucanian Dolomites are smaller than those in northern Italy, they also consist of sandstone rocks formed under the sea ages ago, which turned into craggy peaks when the sea eventually receded. This scenic naturalistic area is laced with small hilltop villages and offers multiple experiences for every kind of outdoor activity lover: hiking, rafting, biking, bird watching, foraging, and more.
What’s a special experience in these mountains?
In the Lucanian Dolomites you can challenge yourself to an adrenaline adventure: an Angel Flight! On this cable zipline suspended between two mountain peaks, fly high over the valley for 1,550 meters, reaching speeds up to 120 km per hour. For couples seeking to add some “spice” to their vacation, you can choose to zipline together for a memorable and romantic experience.
When is the best time to visit?
If you want to ensure the perfect weather for your visit to this scenic area and off-the-beaten-path adventure activities, the best time to explore the Lucanian Dolomites is from May to October.
What role does nature play in the culture and economy of the region?
Because of the peculiar nature of this area consisting of steep peaks and dense forests, massive urbanization of the region is impossible, so local towns and villages still preserve their traditional culture. In fact, in the tiny hamlet of Pietrapertosa, you can taste an incredible typical treat specific to the town: a delicious ricotta cheese and honey pie. Delizioso!
For more information about Arno Travel, click here.
Local guide Paolo from DMC Italy’s Best invites us past the white walls of Matera into the Parco della Murgia Materana, an incredible natural reserve offering odd and extreme signs of life.
What makes it so special in this region?
Nestled in a canyon, Matera is an ancient city carved into the rock and consists of almost 5,000 caves dug out as homes. Parco della Murgia Materana, the natural park surrounding the city, has maintained its wildness and is full of hiking trails, caves, and over a hundred cave churches, each with its own characteristics. The park holds several villages and settlements that testify to the heritage of the land, and exhibit evidence of prehistoric civilizations settling in these rocks. Its particular geology, diverse and rare flora and fauna, and natural elements like rivers, streams, and steep slopes offer breathtaking views no matter where you look, and it’s easy to see why the park has been named a UNESCO Heritage Site. In addition, from one of its many panoramic points, the canyon and park perfectly frame the city of Matera.
When is the best time to visit?
Since the city tends to fill up with groups and tourists in the morning and early afternoon, a walk in the park will take you away from the hustle and bustle, and the evening sunsets over the natural park are often tinged with an infinity of violet shades. Another unique experience is waking up early in the morning and, by bike or on foot, heading to the other side of the canyon to watch the morning rays. Matera becomes perfectly illuminated and offers mythical views.
For more information about Italy’s Best, click here.
Filippo Curinga of DMC IDI Travel invites us to explore Matera, the mystical city of stones, caves, and unforgettable atmosphere.
What makes Matera such a special place?
Matera is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, made up of caves carved into the rock in which its citizens have traditionally lived. In Matera, you’ll spend a lot of time in caves: you’ll sleep in a cave, eat in a cave, drink an aperitivo in a cave, and even view modern sculpture in a cave… that’s what makes it so special.
Tell us some more about this unique treasure.
Matera has always been a hidden treasure in our beautiful country, and in order to understand its magic, you have to see it in person. It’s an incredible manifestation of past and present perfectly mixed. Buildings climb up and down the hillside, and the houses are piled on top of each other with the roofs of some serving as streets for the upper levels. The locals are very proud of their city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
How can visitors best experience this gem?
Since Matera is located in the south of Italy, it’s fit for a visit any time of the year as the climate is always pleasant. The best way to experience the city is to tool around its narrow streets in an “Ape Calesse,” a tiny and truly Italian-style vehicle straight out of the 1960s. Visitors will immediately feel integrated into the local lifestyle, as the aroma of fresh baking bread wafts through open windows and the chatter of elderly women outside their cave-homes echo through the stone streets. Children play in the main squares of the city, and your driver will recount enchanting stories of local lore. It’s an unbelievable setting!
For more information about I.D.I. Travel, click here.
“Basilicata truly offers an authentic Italian experience untouched by mass-tourism.”
Lorenzo Guerrieri, Italy’s Best